Long before today’s Mardi Gras celebrations, Monroe’s very first Mardi Gras parade rolled in 1930 — organized by a Black businessmen’s club known as the XYZ Club. The elected King and Queen Zulu led the parade down DeSiard Street to the Savoy Ballroom in the Miller Roy Building, where the Grand Ball was held. These parades continued for more than 25 years, establishing a vibrant tradition of celebration and leadership within the Black community. It’s a reminder that Mardi Gras in Monroe has deep and diverse roots.

The first attempt to integrate what is now the University of Louisiana Monroe happened much earlier than many realize. In 1952, Julius Faulk of Morehouse Parish attempted to enroll. It would take more than a decade before successful integration occurred in 1964, when Sarah McCoy (Abakwue) and Bobby Saucier enrolled — marking a turning point in local education history. Their courage helped open doors for generations to come.

Education for Black residents in Ouachita Parish dates back to the 1870s, when a formerly enslaved man named Richard Barrington helped found the first Black school in the area, known as Wisner Colored School. Barrington’s leadership in education laid a critical foundation for learning and opportunity during Reconstruction, shaping the future of countless students in the parish.

Monroe’s first Black mayor and sheriff was George Byron Hamlett. His election marked an important milestone in local political history and reflected progress in representation within city leadership.

In 1874, Monroe had an all-Black fire department crew known as Aetna. This early organized unit of firefighters played a vital role in protecting the city and represents one of the earliest documented examples of Black civic service in the community.

In 1951, the first Black radio program to air in Monroe debuted on KNOE. Titled “The Voice of the South,” it was hosted by Principal Morris Henry Carroll. The program created space for representation and storytelling on the local airwaves, giving voice to the Black community during a time when media access was limited.

The first Black residents in what would become Ouachita Parish arrived in the 1720s as enslaved people of the French Cantillon Settlement. Though the settlement failed following the Natchez Indian attack on Fort Rosalie, this early presence marks the beginning of a long and complex history in the region. Understanding this early chapter helps frame the full story of Black resilience, endurance, and contribution in Northeast Louisiana.

Black history in Monroe-West Monroe is woven into our parades, schools, government, first responders, and media. These stories remind us that local history matters — and that many of the freedoms and traditions we enjoy today were shaped by individuals who showed leadership, courage, and vision. This Black History Month, take time to learn, visit local museums, attend events, and explore the stories that make Ouachita Parish unique. History lives here and it continues to shape our future.